Press release

Canadians invade Niterói

Families of canadian athletes cheer for them in Caio Martins gymnasium

On the first day of the FIVB Volleyball Men's Junior World Championship, Caio Martins’s gymnasium, host of the matches of Pools B and D in Niterói, wasn't as crowded as expected; until Canada’s team showed up for their match against Iran with about 15 people, all dressed in red and white.

Their presence was a nice surprise for everyone in the stadium, as they cheered passionately throughout the whole game.

The trip for Brazil was programmed over a year ago between the families of five of the Canadian players. They always try to keep up with the team, no matter where.

"We all planned a year ago that we would come together. We flew in and we are all staying at the same hotel. It's a summer vacation for us." Jo Van Berkel said.

"I just feel really supported. I know that, no matter what, they’re always with me, always thinking about me and supporting me in everything I do," he said.

Although the fans are all the families of the athletes, spending time with them is a rare thing.

"It's pretty tight there," Jo Van Berkel said. "They stay together and we get to see them after the games; but most of the time they're focused on playing volleyball."

However, even with all the support, Canada hasn’t had much luck in the competition, having lost both games they've played so far. For Lucas's mother, the nerves were a big problem.

"I think they haven’t performed the way they hoped to. I think they just came out a little bit nervous and tight. It’s their first international competition (outside of Canada) so it’s a big step for them."

When asked about their first impressions of Niterói, the families commented on the beauty of the location and the sympathy of the people. Even though the team will have to stay a bit longer in the city, host of the matches that will define 9th to 18th places, a trip to Rio is already arranged with the families of two other players. In the itinerary, visits to the Sugar Loaf, the Christ the Redeemer statue and Ipanema beach are mandatory for the visitors.

Written by Helena Cabo Petry, senior student of Journalism at Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Rio and participant of the FIVB Program “Young Writers 4 Young Players”